This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is a simple, delicious dessert that’s perfect for lemon lovers. With just four ingredients, you can whip up a tangy and creamy cake that combines the sweetness of lemon pie filling with the richness of cream cheese. The best part? No complicated steps or fuss—just dump, bake, and enjoy! It’s a quick and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box lemon cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can lemon pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Dump the Lemon Pie Filling
Spread the lemon pie filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
In a small bowl, beat or soften the cream cheese until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese evenly over the lemon pie filling. You don’t need to fully spread it—just evenly space the dollops across the surface.
Step 4: Sprinkle Cake Mix
Sprinkle the lemon cake mix evenly over the pie filling and cream cheese layers. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Drizzle Butter
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cake mix. Try to cover as much of the cake mix as possible. It’s okay if some spots are left dry, as the butter will spread while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cake mix should look fully baked, and the cream cheese should be melted and gooey.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the tangy, creamy lemon flavors. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Cooking Notes
- Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese before adding it to the cake to ensure it spreads evenly and melts smoothly.
- Cake Mix: While lemon cake mix adds an extra lemony punch, you can also use yellow cake mix or white cake mix for a more subtle flavor.
Variations
1. Blueberry Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Add a can of blueberry pie filling along with the lemon pie filling for a blueberry-lemon twist. The combination of sweet blueberries and tangy lemon is delicious!
2. Lemon Coconut Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded coconut over the cake mix before drizzling the butter for a tropical take on this cake.
3. Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Dump Cake
Add fresh or frozen raspberries on top of the lemon pie filling before adding the cake mix for a fruity, tart variation.
4. Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Cake
For an extra creamy version, add a box of instant vanilla pudding mix on top of the cake mix before drizzling the butter. It adds another layer of richness.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version:
- Use a sugar-free lemon cake mix or make your own with almond flour.
- Substitute the lemon pie filling with a sugar-free lemon curd.
- Use keto-friendly sweeteners for the cream cheese layer.
These substitutions will keep the dessert low-carb while maintaining the tangy lemon flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or serve it chilled.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake is best served warm, so reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Q: Can I use other flavors of pie filling?
Absolutely! You can switch the lemon pie filling with apple, cherry, or peach pie filling for different flavor combinations. This dump cake is versatile and works with many flavors.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven before serving.
This Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake is an easy, quick, and incredibly delicious dessert with the perfect combination of tangy lemon and creamy goodness. With minimal effort and just four ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home. Try it today and enjoy a delightful, fuss-free dessert!